6 Things That Should Always Be in the Trunk of Your Toyota

While Toyotas are known for their reliable performance and safety features, it is still important to have a few key items handy in your car at all times in case of an emergency. In the event of a flat tire, accident, or inclement weather, be prepared by keeping these six things in the trunk of your Toyota.

Jumper Cables

A pair of jumper cables is one of the most important items to have in the trunk of your Toyota. A weak or dead battery can leave you stranded along the side of the road or in a parking lot because your vehicle won’t start. With some assistance from a good Samaritan, connecting the jumper cables adds power to your battery and helps you restart your car. Then, you can get back on the road and likely head to an auto repair shop to replace the battery.

First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit is also a must-have in your Toyota. Make sure to include the basics such as gauze pads, bandages, and aspirin, along with antiseptic ointment or wipes. These items may help in treating minor injuries in the event of an accident until help arrives. Also, a charged cell phone will enable you to dial 911, and one to three reflective triangles placed on the roadside can warn oncoming traffic of danger ahead.

Flashlight

You never know when you might get stranded in the dark, so you should have a flashlight with an extra set of batteries. If you need to change a tire or jump start a dead battery, the extra light helps. It is also a good idea to have a waterproof flashlight if you get stranded in the rain.

Blankets or Extra Clothes

It may be in the middle of winter, and your Toyota may experience a flat tire or run out of gas. Having a warm blanket or some extra clothes such as sweaters can help you keep warm until you get help.

Gas Can

It may also be a good idea to keep a gas can in the trunk of your Toyota. Then, you can try to get to the nearest gas station to fill up the can and transfer it to your car’s gas tank. However, because gas is flammable, always keep the gas can empty in your trunk until you need it.

Spare Tire

If you know how to change a tire, then make sure the spare is stored in your trunk, along with a car jack and lug wrench. That way, if you get a flat, you can change it yourself rather than wait a long time for a tow truck. Additionally, consider carrying another component such as a mini air compressor to fill your tires before they go flat.

Along with the essentials noted above, other items worth storing in your trunk include cloths for handling grease, specifically if you need to check or change the oil. Wrenches and screwdrivers can also be kept in your Toyota’s trunk for minor repairs.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay 

Posted in Driving Safety | No Comments »